Cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different types of cancer, each with its own name and treatment. This section provides an overview of what cancer is.

Surgery to the
other breast

Surgeons carrying out breast reconstruction aim to match the size and shape of the reconstructed breast to your other breast. This is not always possible, so they may suggest you have an operation on your natural breast to give a better match. This can involve:

Breast reduction (mammoplasty). If your natural breast is larger than the reconstructed breast it can be reduced in size and altered in shape so that the final appearance is balanced.

Breast lifting and reshaping (mastopexy). If your natural breast is droopier than the reconstructed breast it can be lifted and reshaped.

Breast enlargement (augmentation). If your reconstructed breast is larger than your other breast and you prefer the larger breast, the natural breast can be made bigger with a silicone implant. This can sometimes be combined with a breast lift.

Surgery to your other breast will cause some scars, but these will fade with time. Some operations, such as repositioning the nipple, may lead to reduction or loss of sensation in the nipple.

We make every effort to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date but it should not be relied upon as a substitute for specialist professional advice tailored to your situation. So far as is permitted by law, Macmillan does not accept liability in relation to the use of any information contained in this publication or third party information or websites included or referred to in it.

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.

For cancer support every step of the way, call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 (Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk